Water Resources

Protecting Watershed Values of your Woodland
Shoreland Zoning and Regulation: If you own woodlands with water resources, be aware of the shoreland zoning laws in our state. Local, state and federal authorities protect shorelands in several ways. Many communities regulate the removal of vegetation along the shoreland, including trees. Permits may also be needed for land disturbance activities, such as logging, to ensure that proper soil erosion control plans are implemented. Large grading projects on the banks of lakes and rivers are regulated by the state. Both the state and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can be involved in any wetland projects. Be certain to get all required permits before starting any work in shorelands, floodplains or wetlands. A forester should be able to help you with the permitting process.

Wetlands: Wisconsin statutes define a wetland as “an area where water is at, near or above the land surface long enough to be capable of supporting aquatic or hydrophytic ('water-loving') vegetation and which has soils indicative of wet conditions.” Wisconsin wetlands include floodplain forests and wooded swamps. Wetlands are important habitat for animals, help control flooding and improve surface waters. Wooded wetlands are important in the life cycles of many animals, from invertebrates such as transparent fairy shrimp to colorful wood ducks. Whenever possible, conduct forest management activities in wetlands on frozen ground during the winter to minimize rutting. Contact your local zoning office for permits and general guidance and information.

Do I Need Roads on my Woodland?
Roads provide forest access for managing timber, improving fish and wildlife habitat, fighting fires, and recreation. However, forest roads that are poorly located, constructed or maintained contribute a significant amount of nonpoint source pollution to our lakes and streams. In particular, roads over steep slopes, erodible soils or stream crossings hold the greatest potential for degrading water quality. There are three types of forest roads. By identifying the type of road system you need during your planning phase, you can avoid unnecessary construction of roads and keep runoff from your woodland to a minimum. Whenever possible, avoid locating roads in wetlands.

Temporary roads: These are the most common type of forest road. They are designed and constructed for short-term use during a specific project such as timber harvesting. These roads are used only when the ground is frozen or firm. When the project is done, the temporary road is closed, all stream crossing structures are removed, and the road is naturally or artificially revegetated.

Permanent seasonal roads: These are maintained as part of the permanent road system but are designed for use only when the ground is frozen or firm. These roads are generally narrower than permanent all-season roads, are built to lower engineering standards, and have minimal surface gravel.

Permanent all-season forest roads: These roads usually have gravel surfaces and are designed for year-round use. However, there may be some restrictions on use at various times of the year.

General Best Management Practices in Forest Management Activities: For activities in wetlands, consider allowing more flexibility for completion dates in timber sale contracts to allow the logger time to complete activities during winter or frozen ground conditions.

-- Identify riparian management zones along all streams and lakes.

-- Keep slash out of open water or wetlands.

-- Only use pesticides labeled for use in wetlands.

-- Whenever practical, avoid equipment maintenance and fueling in wetlands. Use extreme caution in other areas and clean all spills promptly.

What Are Riparian Management Zones?
Riparian refers to the area next to a lake or stream. A Riparian Management Zone is an area from the water’s edge to about 100 feet inland that requires different management practices to protect the area’s unusual ecosystem. Also called shorelands, this area of land hosts many of the endangered species, and is especially sensitive to nonpoint source pollution and erosion impacts. Vegetated buffers may be required to help filter out runoff and control erosion before it reaches the stream or lake. These buffers will also help to stabilize streambanks and shelter many kinds of animals that live on the land and in the water. Check with your county Land Conservation Department to find out if you are eligible for programs designed to protect riparian management zones. A riparian zone’s vegetation may be protected by local ordinance—check with your local zoning office for more information.

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